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Embassy Court

Went on a tour of Embassy Court today, part of Architecture Week. Embassy Court is a grade II* listed building designed by Wells Coates and opened in 1935. The tour cost 6 quid and was conducted by Stuart Adams, who has a small flat in the building – a Canadian like Wells Coates, its architect. We started in the boarded-up lobby, which once had a mural by E McKnight Kauffer, a walnut desk and a doorman. Jo Moore, Chloe and Laurence also turned up. Then we went up to the roof (I took the lift!) for some magnificent views. Then down the outside stairs to a couple of empty flats, then to the 'office' down below. It's being restored with the help of Terence Conran's name, in the person of Paul Zara and is now owned by Bluestorm, a company formed by the residents. Once the residence of Laurence Olivier, Rex Harrison, Diana Dors, Graham Greene and Keith Waterhouse, but more recently a dilapidated eyesore full of junkies, it now looks pretty good! More photos on Flickr.

Another Embassy Court site, which doesn't seem to be working at present.